Shaan vs Sonu nigam.
While on my way back to home today, I was listening to songs from my car stereo player. One of my favourite number "Tanha Dil" was playing and I was enjoying to the beautiful voice of one of the most versatile singer of Bollywood : Shaan. I have habit of singing along with the songs and many of my friends must be well aware of that. While singing this song, at the back of my mind a thought came to my mind that Shaan even though such great singer is not getting the credit he deserves. On the other hand, sonu nigam (who is also talented singer) gets lots of praise which I dont think he deserves. Today Bollywood has many talented singers but the greatest rivalry in field of singing is between Shaan and Sonu Nigam. I undoubtly say that my favourite is Shaan and I have multiple reasons for it. Lets sort it out.
One of the first songs of Shaan that made me his fan is "Tanha Dil", my all time favourite song. While Shaan can sing songs ranging from "Chand Sifarish" of Fanaa, to "Dus Bahane" of Dus, sonu can just sing from "kabhi alvida na kehna" from KANK to "Mera rang de basanti chola" of Legend of Bhagat singh. There might be songs which reside outside the above range, but they are so few that you can count on your finger tips. Seeing through his entire career, anyone can easily make out that sonu's singing capability is limited to just romantic numbers.
When we say that one singer is better than other, the basic thing that we look for is versatility. Versatile means capable of doing variety of things competently. If we see the entire career of Shaan and Sonu, we can easily figure out that Shaan has sung songs of many different types. Songs like "Bam Bam Bole" from Taare Zameen Par, "Behti Hawa Saa Tha Wo" from 3 idiots, "wo pehli baar", "Dus bahane" from Dus, "My dil goes mmm" from Salaam Namaste, "You are my love" from partner, "Wheres the party tonight" from Kabhi Alvida Na kehan, Munnabhai MBBS, "Bhool Jaa" etc...the list is endless. On other hand, if we see the track record of sonu, "Tanhayee" from Dil Chahta Hai, "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna" from KANK, "Saathiya" from Saathiya, and other movies where he gave voice in songs include, Kabhi Khansi (Khushi) Kabhi Dum (Gum), Paheli, Legend of Bhagat Singh, No Entry, etc. We see that with couple of exceptions the type of songs that Sonu Nigam sings is nothing but romantic or sad.
The unanimous answer to who has more Variety will be no one else but "SHAAN". Sonu might be the best in romantic songs, but hey, what about songs where we need fun, craziness, energy. Sonu's voice lacks all. People might say, sonu has sung songs like "mera rang de basanti" of legend of Bhagatsingh, but wait, if you call that as energetic song, I think you have not heard the song "pagdi sambhal jatta" or "Desh mere desh mere" of the same movie. The only songs I remember sung by Sonu nigam and which are not romantic/sad are the ones in movie "No Entry".
Lets check the history of two singers. Sonu Nigam is trained classical singer, on other hand Shaan has NO training. I repeat "NO TRAINING". Check out the song "Chand Sifarish" from Fanaa. Try to beat that with any of sonu nigam's song.
Any voice needs to have a crisp factor. If it is too smooth and sweet, it sounds too monotonous which leads to boredom. Thats what has happened with Sonu Nigam. Listen to songs sung by singers like sukhwinder singh, shaan, shankar mahadevan, sunidhi chauhan, KK, Himesh etc. These singers can sing song for any type of situation, while on other hand, sweet voiced sonu can sing only romantic/sad songs. He can sing songs for any scenario, but I wonder if any director/producer will allow him to sing for any non-romantic song.
Sonu nowadays gives his voice to Shahrukh in most of all his movies. As Shahrukh is associated to romantic and cry-baby types movies, so is sonu associated with love songs. Its really nice to see that, sonu IS NOT allowed to give voice to Shahrukh in movies like "Chak de india" and "Swades". I would not have been surprised that the songs of "Swades" would have been screwed up by Sonu if he would have been given a chance. Just take example of one of the most simple and plain song "pal pal har pal" from munnabhai. The song does not require any types of fluttering of voice, or increasing and reducing the pitch at various points, then why does Sonu have to show off that he is (supposedly) genius by changing pitch multiple times in a single sentence when the song does not require? If Shreya goshal can sing this song very plainly, why can't sonu? He is just bag full of arrogance and tries to show off that he is great.
At this point, sonu's fans might give reason that Sonu is doing what his best at. "One should do what he/she is best at". If thats the case, one should also respect all rounders. There is no point in boasting about ourselves when we are just "master of one" but are surrounded by "master of many".
Apart from this, one more reason why I hate Sonu Nigam is because he makes me wonder always that why he does not stop mimicking the Great Mohammad Rafi and if he wants to, he should know that Rafi used to sing songs like "badein miyan deewane", which I don't think sweet voiced Sonu can ever sing. Rafi was versatile singer and his range can be seen by listening to songs like "baabul ki duaayein leti jaa", "khoya khoya chand", "Ye duniya yeh mehfil" etc. Stupid fellow comes out with album containing songs of Rafi saab in his voice. Sonu nigam should first try to be himself and then mimick others. This fellow cannot sing 2 lines in "Phir Mile Sur" properly without leaving his attitude, how can he compare himself to the legends. Rafi can sing for actors from dilip kumar to Johhny walker, while sonu can just sing for Shahrukh.
Having said all this, it is for sure that I will never ever see Sonu with respect. He knows nothing but to mimick and make fun of other singers/people. If he is great, he should focus on widening his range of songs
It would not be surprising for me if all of the people who read this or comment on this note turn out to be fans of Sonu Nigam. :) You people have right to support and be fan of whom ever you want. If you ask me, you will get just one answer "SHAAN".
Closing this note with my favourite lines:
Woh to Nahi Tha teri Wafao ke Kaabil
Jaane Kya Soch kar tune de Diya apna Dil
Is Baar dil ka Sauda karna na Yun Bewajah
Bhool Jaa, Jo Hua Usey Bhool Jaa
Monday, June 21, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Hot Food vs. Spicy Food
P (Pre).S.: Unless and otherwise mentioned, the term "hot" in following note is NOT used as in high temperature.
I have met many people who just use the words "hot" and "spicy" interchangeably for the food that makes them do "sss... sss...". This note is specifically written for them and I would like to say that all of those who believe that "hot" and "spicy" can be used interchangeably, YOU ARE VERY WRONG.
Let me try to make it clear today that HOT food is not always SPICY and similarly SPICY food is not always HOT. Both of these words: HOT and SPICY represent two different taste sensations. Let's discuss the same in detail.
When we talk about a food being “hot” in taste, we really mean that it produces a burning sensation in one’s mouth. On the other hand, “spicy” traditionally describes savory and flavorful foods. In layman's terms, the food which hurts your tongue, makes you sweat profusely and brings tears in your eyes is "hot" food. It MIGHT be spicy but not always. For example, Tabasco sauce is “hot” and its not at all spicy. Add a tablespoon of Tabasco sauce to your recipe and you would inevitably produce a strong burning sensation in one’s mouth with it. On similar thoughts, adding lots of red chilli powder, jalapenos or serranos will make your food "hot" but not "spicy".
To make food spicy, one DOES NOT need any type of chilli. Food becomes "spicy" on adding various spices likes crushed garlic, ginger, black pepper, cardamom, coriander, cumin etc. "Spicy" food never hurts your tongue provided its not "hot AND spicy". Spicy food hurts your throat and inner part of digestive canal. By eating spicy food, a person feels heat from inside. He never sweats.
People might defend giving any lame reason that terms "hot" and "spicy" are same. But I repeat myself, they are NOT same. "Spicy", according to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, refers to “having the quality, flavor, or fragrance of spice.” "Spicy" food has taste and flavor that you can taste/feel, while "hot" food does not have any taste other than being pungent. In "hot" food, there are other tastes but all of them are masked by the strong "pungent" taste.
Indian food has been generating complex spice infused concoctions since the BC era. Much of Indian food is “hot” and most of it is “spicy”. But let’s get this straight here: we can have a "spicy" dish without being "hot". The most fundamental difference that I want to convey here today, is that for the food to be simply "hot", all it takes is a straight shot of chilli peppers, or spoonful of “hot” sauce. (Although there can be some good hot sauces that also generate good flavor.) To be "spicy" implies a level of complexity of flavor.
P (Post).S.: People who do not want to agree with me on my above note, can continue to do so at their risk. Risk?? Being called stupid (as far as above topic goes) by people who agree with me on my above note.
Ref: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spicy
Disclaimer:
When I say spicy food hurts your throat and inner part of digestive canal, I dint mean that spicy food is not good. Spices and spicy food are good. One should incorporate spicy food in their daily menu.
The same is with hot food. Chillies are well proven to be anti-carcinogens. Try to eat Green chillies as and when possible as compared to "red chilli powder".
Just see that you don't eat anything in excess: either spices or chillies. DON'T JUST AVOID IT BECAUSE YOU CANNOT HANDLE IT. TRY ONCE, TRUST ME, YOU CAN EAT SPICY AND/OR HOT FOOD. :)
I have met many people who just use the words "hot" and "spicy" interchangeably for the food that makes them do "sss... sss...". This note is specifically written for them and I would like to say that all of those who believe that "hot" and "spicy" can be used interchangeably, YOU ARE VERY WRONG.
Let me try to make it clear today that HOT food is not always SPICY and similarly SPICY food is not always HOT. Both of these words: HOT and SPICY represent two different taste sensations. Let's discuss the same in detail.
When we talk about a food being “hot” in taste, we really mean that it produces a burning sensation in one’s mouth. On the other hand, “spicy” traditionally describes savory and flavorful foods. In layman's terms, the food which hurts your tongue, makes you sweat profusely and brings tears in your eyes is "hot" food. It MIGHT be spicy but not always. For example, Tabasco sauce is “hot” and its not at all spicy. Add a tablespoon of Tabasco sauce to your recipe and you would inevitably produce a strong burning sensation in one’s mouth with it. On similar thoughts, adding lots of red chilli powder, jalapenos or serranos will make your food "hot" but not "spicy".
To make food spicy, one DOES NOT need any type of chilli. Food becomes "spicy" on adding various spices likes crushed garlic, ginger, black pepper, cardamom, coriander, cumin etc. "Spicy" food never hurts your tongue provided its not "hot AND spicy". Spicy food hurts your throat and inner part of digestive canal. By eating spicy food, a person feels heat from inside. He never sweats.
People might defend giving any lame reason that terms "hot" and "spicy" are same. But I repeat myself, they are NOT same. "Spicy", according to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, refers to “having the quality, flavor, or fragrance of spice.” "Spicy" food has taste and flavor that you can taste/feel, while "hot" food does not have any taste other than being pungent. In "hot" food, there are other tastes but all of them are masked by the strong "pungent" taste.
Indian food has been generating complex spice infused concoctions since the BC era. Much of Indian food is “hot” and most of it is “spicy”. But let’s get this straight here: we can have a "spicy" dish without being "hot". The most fundamental difference that I want to convey here today, is that for the food to be simply "hot", all it takes is a straight shot of chilli peppers, or spoonful of “hot” sauce. (Although there can be some good hot sauces that also generate good flavor.) To be "spicy" implies a level of complexity of flavor.
P (Post).S.: People who do not want to agree with me on my above note, can continue to do so at their risk. Risk?? Being called stupid (as far as above topic goes) by people who agree with me on my above note.
Ref: http://www.merriam-webster
Disclaimer:
When I say spicy food hurts your throat and inner part of digestive canal, I dint mean that spicy food is not good. Spices and spicy food are good. One should incorporate spicy food in their daily menu.
The same is with hot food. Chillies are well proven to be anti-carcinogens. Try to eat Green chillies as and when possible as compared to "red chilli powder".
Just see that you don't eat anything in excess: either spices or chillies. DON'T JUST AVOID IT BECAUSE YOU CANNOT HANDLE IT. TRY ONCE, TRUST ME, YOU CAN EAT SPICY AND/OR HOT FOOD. :)
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